Teaching To The Test

 To the Editor:

Is there any inspiration left in learning? Tom Chapin says it best in a song about how the standardized Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) has changed the face of education.

“Go on to sleep now, third grader of mine.

The test is tomorrow but you’ll do just fine.

It’s reading and math, forget all the rest.

You don’t need to know what is not on the test.

 

“Each box that you mark on each test that you take,

Remember your teachers, their jobs are at stake.

Your score is their score, but don’t get all stressed.

They’d never teach anything not on the test.

 

“The School Board is faced with No Child Left Behind

With rules but no funding, they’re caught in a bind.

So music and art and the things you love best

Are not in your school ‘cause they’re not on the test.

 

“Sleep, sleep, and as you progress

You’ll learn there’s a lot that is not on the test.

 

“Debate is a skill that is useful to know,

Unless you’re in Congress or talk radio,

Where shouting and spouting and spewing are blessed

‘Cause rational discourse was not on the test.

 

“Thinking’s important. It’s good to know how.

And someday you’ll learn to but someday’s not now.

Go on to sleep, now. You need your rest.

Don’t think about thinking. It’s not on the test.”

 

To view the video and song go to www.notonthetest.com.

Sincerely,

Desire Galassi

151 Huntingtown Road, Newtown                                 March 3, 2010